Panic Disorder And Treatments

Panic Disorder can be manifested in many different ways, with a range of symptoms so broad it can be hard to believe two people are suffering from the same disorder. These symptoms often seem to be linked to a particular body system; for example, a pounding heart and sweating can be linked to the autonomic nervous system, breathlessness and a tight chest can be linked to the respiratory system, and fear of dying or losing control and agoraphobia can be linked to cognitive processing or the central nervous system (Meuret et al., 2006). A significant amount of symptoms such as faintness, lack of sensation and tingling sensations are indicative of hypocapnia- a state of reduced carbon dioxide in the blood usually resulting from hyperventilation (Meuret et al., 2006). This has led some researchers to contemplate the role of hyperventilation in panic disorder (Bass, 1997; Bass and Gardner, 1985; as cited in Meuret et al., 2006) and to include voluntary hyperventilation and breathing training as part of the client's treatment (Meuret, Ritz, Wilhelm, & Roth, 2005).

Other researchers have asked themselves how much contact with a therapist is required in order to continue to produce positive change in individuals with panic disorder (Febbraro, 2005). The increasing popularity of self-help books and bibliotherapy has led Febbraro (2005) to investigate the effectiveness of minimal contact interventions in treating panic attacks. This paper will focus on the typical treatment outcomes of panic disorder and how they compare to alternative treatments such as voluntary hyperventilation, bibliotherapy and minimal contact interventions. Finally, suggestions will be put forward to help maximize treatment outcome for ethnic minorities and clients with lower socio-economic statuses. The importance of follow-up and maintaining self-management of panic attacks and associated anxiety for all clients will also be addressed in this section.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication have become traditional treatment options for panic disorder (Craske, et al., 2006). CBT is usually carried out for 12 sessions during a 3-month period; after this time, considerable improvements can be sustained for up to 2 years with either slight or no indication of relapse. Likewise, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) show evidence of extensive improvement for most patients suffering from panic disorders. Relapse rates among patients using SSRIs are fairly small with continuous medication, and these rates are much lower than those of randomized placebo groups (Mavissakalian & Perel, 2002; as cited in Craske et al., 2006).